Diver dies in 40 Fathom Grotto incident

Published: Friday, February 1, 2008 at 3:11 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 1, 2008 at 3:11 p.m.

(UPDATED 4:30 p.m.) BLUE SINK – Rebecca Harden, 54, from Hickson, Tenn., died today in what appears to be a scuba diving accident, according to Sheriff’s Office officials.

Harden was with a group scuba diving at 40 Fathom Grotto at 19487 N.W. 115th Ave. As the group was coming to the surface, they would stop at different levels. At one of the stages, according to officials, the instructor noticed that Harden was not with the group. He said he saw bubbles and descended to where she was, then brought her to the surface.

Following a call to 911, Marion County Fire Rescue responded to the scene. Harden was transported to Munroe Regional Medical Center. Rescuers performed CPR on her from the time they arrived on scene to the hospital, officials said.

Sheriff’s detectives said Harden was pronounced dead at 2:40 p.m. The cause of death is unclear and the investigation is continuing.

<p>(UPDATED 4:30 p.m.) BLUE SINK – Rebecca Harden, 54, from Hickson, Tenn., died today in what appears to be a scuba diving accident, according to Sheriff’s Office officials.</p><p> Harden was with a group scuba diving at 40 Fathom Grotto at 19487 N.W. 115th Ave. As the group was coming to the surface, they would stop at different levels. At one of the stages, according to officials, the instructor noticed that Harden was not with the group. He said he saw bubbles and descended to where she was, then brought her to the surface.</p><p> Following a call to 911, Marion County Fire Rescue responded to the scene. Harden was transported to Munroe Regional Medical Center. Rescuers performed CPR on her from the time they arrived on scene to the hospital, officials said.</p><p> Sheriff’s detectives said Harden was pronounced dead at 2:40 p.m. The cause of death is unclear and the investigation is continuing.</p>